Check out the best beaches in Malibu!!

A trip to the beach sounds fascinating at the moment. The waves are crashing, the sun is setting, and people are laughing and relaxing under the sunset.

Walking through the sandy shores, leaving tracks behind, feeling the sand squish slowly through the toes as you gaily walk down the shoreline of the outer banks.

The coast of Malibu is so beautiful that people are adamant about taking a scenic drive along Highway 1; parking the car for a day at one of many Malibu beaches is worth the stop.

The Malibu coastal city is practically synonymous with sandy beaches, the Pacific Ocean, and the warmth of the California sunshine.

People often mislead tourists by writing about the secret beaches in Malibu and tempting you with clickbait promising something that no one else knows about. Instead of the hype, this list includes the best beaches in Malibu, visited and proven to be the perfect day out!

Best Beaches in Malibu

1. Malibu Lagoon State Beach

Address: 3835 Cross Creek Rd, EASTERN Malibu, CA 90265, USA

It is an atypical Malibu beach for beach lovers since the water is part of a lagoon, not the Pacific Ocean. The Malibu Creek greets the ocean at Malibu Lagoon, a vast 22-acre wetland, a haven for over 200 migrating and local birds.

Close to different kinds of architectural designs, you can visit the Adamson House at the edge of the lagoon. The Malibu Lagoon Museum is attached to the Adamson house and gives a brief history of the area, from the indigenous Chumash tribes to its place as a surfing hot spot.

The best surviving example is the Spanish Revival which shows the decorative ceramic tile produced by the Malibu Potteries in the 1920s and 30s.

Affixed with a designated paid parking lot for the Malibu Lagoon state beach, where Cross Creek Road meets Highway 1. If you need a quintessential Malibu beach experience, then Surf-rider Beach is your friendly next-door neighbor.

2. Malibu Surf Rider Beach

ADDRESS: Malibu Lagoon State Beach, California 90265, US

If you have a vision of Malibu beach of you frolicking in beachwear, the Malibu Surfrider Beach, the best beach in Malibu, is at the east end of Malibu Lagoon State Beach is what you probably have in mind. This surfrider beach has a super long right-hand break which is quite famous among surfers.

However, the water is often full of them and leaves little space for swimmers. Towards the northeast end of the beach is the famous Malibu Pier, popular with a fisherman who hangs out for the day and enjoys the scenic beauty while angling.

If uninterested in fishing, you can pave your way and have a delicious meal at the Malibu Farm Restaurant, which specializes in Californian Cuisine and farm-to-table dishes.

The famous Surfrider Beach is a part of the Malibu Lagoon state beach, but the state beach parking lot is closer to the lagoon side than the ocean side.

There is a separate parking lot near the aforementioned Adamson house near the Surfrider beach, which is an ideal place for reaching the Surfrider beach, or you have the choice to choose and park on the adjacent Highway-1.

3. Point Dume State Beach

ADDRESS: Point Dume State Beach, 6800 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

When you see the Dume beach, it is easy to forget that you’re a few kilometers from the hustle and bustle of the L.A. metro area. It is because you will be so immersed by gawking at the scenic headlands, rocky coves, and offshore geological formations while enjoying two kilometers of pure and raw sandy beach at the foot of the high cliffs.

A day with clear skies can help you catch a glimpse of the beautiful Catalina Islands or the Channel Islands across Santa Monica Bay. It is also adjacent to the rocky beaches in Malibu, CA.

The active beachgoers can explore the various hiking trails that overlook the ocean before taking a dip and going for a swim. It is also adjacent to the rocky beach in Malibu, CA.

However, there is nothing wrong with just spending a day chilling on the sand. If you are actively interested in scuba diving, there is an underwater area known as the Pinnacles, one of the premier diving spots within the state.

If you’re lucky enough, you can even see the grey whales during their annual migration from the shore from December to March. It is one of Malibu’s largest beaches, split into Big Dume Beach, also called Dume Cove Beach, and Little Dume Beach. There is also Corral State Beach nearby.

The tiny parking lot closest to the entrance has only ten spots and fills up quickly. Even on the weekends or holidays, you can quickly secure a space. However, on weekdays, the park is blissfully free of crowds, making it the perfect escape.

There is a larger paid parking lot towards the end of Westward Beach Road. From there, it is just a five-minute bike trail or hike over the Point Dume beach and the big Dume beach to the staircase that leads you down to the water.

4. Westward Beach

ADDRESS: Westward Beach, WESTERN Malibu, CA 90265, USA

The westward beach is the public beach, the southernmost section of the Zuma beach, and extends to Point Dume. It is known for its clean water and being ranked the top surf spot in surf-crazy Malibu.

If lucky, you can witness pods of Bottlenose Dolphins swimming across so close to the shore that you’ll feel as if you’re swimming along with them.

The Sunset Restaurant is next to the beach entrance, with a full menu of fresh items to enjoy. The patio faces the westward beach and the Pacific Ocean, so it is ideal for a sunset drink after spending a lazy afternoon lounging in the sun.

Westward is a part of the Zuma beach, the parking lots are up north, and you’ll have to walk across the entire beach to get there. But if you’re a walker, this place is apt for you. The closest parking lot is a paid area at the end of the westward beach road, the same one you’d use to reach Point Dume State Beach.

5. Zuma Beach

ADDRESS: Zuma Beach, Malibu, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 90265, USA

Drop the public beach from its name and call it Zuma, one of the best go-to spots for LA residents and tourists. The beach frontage is 3 km, just around the corner from the Point Dume State Beach, so you can easily access the hiking trails of the state park from Zuma too.

The south beach attracts several visitors on summer weekends but is quiet during the week. If you’re into playing beach volleyball games, make sure to carry a ball since the nets are set up along the beach for casual beach volleyball games with friends.

The shallow water and the gently sloping sandy beach make it a good place for swimming and body surfing. But do keep an eye out for posted flags that signify safe swimming areas.

Zuma Beach is known for its occasional vigorous riptides, tidal pools, high tide, and rough surf. However, lifeguards are on duty in summer to monitor the rough sea conditions.

There are eight paid parking lots around Zuma Beach with two thousand parking spots, but you can park for free if you find an open place adjacent to Highway 1. It is also adjacent to the rocky beaches in Malibu, CA.

6. El Matador State Beach

ADDRESS: 32350 Pacific Coast Highway, Eastern Malibu, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 90265, USA

People often call the El Matador the best beach in Malibu, a pocket beach, because of a slight stretch of sand cradled between two headlands.

The El Matador State Beach has incredible views with towering arches and rock formations, so it is a trendy spot for photographers and photo shoots. You will likely come across people taking wedding pictures, graduation shots, or even family portraits.

If you’re on the beach during the low tide, walk towards the north end of El Matador Beach to explore the sea caves that can only be reached when the water is low.

El Matador Beach is one of the best beaches in Los Angeles County, with cute sea caves that take your breath away. It is a small beach with limited parking availability, and you must arrive early on warm weekend days to get a spot.

The beach is also a part of Robert H Meyer Memorial State Beach, along with the coves of El Pescador Beach and La Piedra Beach. Look into the exit off Highway 1 to the El Matador parking lot, which is a paid lot with direct access to the staircase beach.

7. Paradise Cove Beach

ADDRESS: Paradise Cove Beach, California 90265, USA

A petite lagoon beach in north Malibu just off Highway 1 is framed by bluffs and looks out onto the open ocean. Paradise Cove is a familiar beach because TV programs like The OC, Baywatch, and Rockford Files were filmed here, and movies such as American Pie 2 and Beach Blanket Bingo. The beach cafe extends onto the beach and has amenities like lounge chairs or private property terraces available to end.

The restaurant opens onto the sand, and it is the only beach in the state of California that allows alcohol on the beach. The restaurant owns a parking lot, and you can park it for up to four hours at a discounted rate.

If you wish to eat at the restaurant and park in the nearby lot, making a reservation is best, especially on busy summer weekends.

8. Carbon Beach

ADDRESS: Carbon Beach, WESTERN Malibu, CA 90265, USA

The nickname of Carbon Beach is Billionaire’s Beach which gives you a sense of what you’ll find on this stretch of sand. You do not have to pay to visit the carbon beach because the entire billionaire’s beachfront is lined with mansions that make your jaw drop, wondering what it must be like to have the Pacific Ocean in your backyard.

There are two entryways, a west access, and an east access point to get onto Carbon Beach, and you have to park for free right off the highway.

The beach is mostly underwater at the high tide, and you can use a tide table to schedule a visit and avoid getting pushed off the beach by rising seawater.

If you want to experience Carbon Beach, one of the best beaches in Malibu, the Malibu Beach Inn is right on the water and lets visitors live like one of the wealthy beach house neighbors for the night.

9. Leo Carrillo State Beach

ADDRESS: Leo Carrillo State Beach, 35000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

If you’re planning to head to the beach after driving north from L.A., it is one of the last beaches in Malibu Creek. The peninsula called Sequit Point points out into the ocean and separates it into north and south beaches.

It is popular among pet owners as it is the only beach that allows dogs, as long as they stay on the north beach section. So if you plan to drive with your four-legged furry friend or enjoy the company of other people’s dogs, it is the beach for you.

Lechuza Beach is a little-known public beach in the Carillo state beach. The Lechuza beach is formed because of the eroded section of the Las Tunas County beach, which combines two of the best beaches in Malibu.

The Leo Carrillo State Park has campgrounds where you can set up a tent or park your RV within walking distance of the beach. The Leo Carrillo State Park campsites fill up fast, so ensure you reserve in advance.

There is a paid parking lot with access to the north beach, which has lots of parking spaces, although it might fill up during summer weekends or holidays.

If you plan to visit the south beach, you can walk from the north beach or look for a parking slot along Highway 1. If you park in the north beach lot and walk to the south beach along the sand, the evening tide pools may prevent you from getting back.

The Leo Carrillo State Park has 3 km of beach for swimming, windsurfing, surf fishing, and beach combing. Leo Carrillo State Park has back-country hiking and giant sycamores that shade the main campgrounds.

10. Topanga Beach

Address: 18700 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

With a mile of ocean frontage and 20+ acres of property, Topanga Beach is one of the best beaches in Malibu. The Topanga beach is a popular surfing spot in the area, but the waves and tide pools break over the cobblestones and reefs, so it is not ideal for swimming. Swimming aside, people visit this beach to scuba dive, fish, and sunbathe.

11. El Pescador State Beach

Address: 32860 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

The El Pescador State Beach is one of the three best beaches in Malibu that make up the Robert Meyer Memorial State Beach. The other two best beaches in Malibu are El Matador State Beach and La Piedra State Beach.

These three beaches offer private parking to visitors. The walk to the sand is short yet beautiful, and you pass through coves, cliffs, rocks, and even tidal pools.

This beach is less busy than the other two, offering peace and quietness. You can bring a picnic basket to the picnic tables of El Pescador State Beach because there are no food stands or restaurants nearby. There are several other beaches, and these other beaches come together as one.

12. Nicholas Canyon Beach

33850 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Nicholas Canyon Beach is the best beach in Malibu, situated in Los Angeles County, that locals refer to as point zero because of the perfect point breaks.

This is one of the best beaches in Malibu, one of the least crowded beaches in Malibu, which is great for relaxing. If chilling is not your style, you can try surfing, scuba diving, body boarding, wind sailing, or swimming instead.

Since Malibu is on the bluffs, most beaches require people to walk down the cliffs. If the Nicholas Canyon beach gets too much for you, there is an outdoor Native American village that is fascinating to wander through.

13. Broad Beach

Address: 31200 Broad Beach Road, Malibu, CA 90265

One of the best beaches in Malibu is a narrow public beach in front of beautiful Malibu homes overlooking the Malibu Pier. There is no dry sand to walk on at high tides and in winter. At low tide, the locals enjoy this spot with a gradually sloping beach which is excellent for walking barefoot in the surf.

Surfers, bodyboarders, and windsurfers head to the broad beach when conditions become favorable. There are tide pools at the north end of the point, separating the broad beach from Lechuza beach.

Look for public access stairs at the broad beach road. Another way is to walk north from the northernmost parking spaces at Zuma Beach. There are limited parking spaces along the shoulder of the road near the entrances.

14. Santa Monica Beach

Address: Los Angeles County, California

The Santa Monica State Beach, one of the best beaches in Malibu, is on the north side of the pier, which is separated from the city by the Palisades and the Pacific Coast Highway. A series of bridges, walkways, and stairs provide access to the Santa Monica beach from the city.

The Point Mugu State Park is located in the Santa Monica Mountains and features five miles of ocean shoreline with rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, dunes, uplands, and two major river canyons.

The Point Mugu State Park includes pinnacles of the Boney Mountains state wilderness area. The Dan Blocker Beach is one of the best beaches in Malibu, and the sycamore cove beach is quite famous among the area’s residents.

Dan Blocker Beach is one of the most commonly known beaches in California. The Dan Blocker beach is a beautiful beach composed of dusty sands and sea spritzes that get stuck into your hair.

The sycamore cove beach is a sandy beach that wraps the people with its lifeguards, picnic tables, and nice amenities. The Dan Blocker Beach was donated to the state of California by Lorne Green.

The best beaches in Malibu are famous for surfers, families, locals, and even A-list celebrities. Malibu is a beach-lover dream, with nearly thirty beaches to choose from and encrusted with the ever-famous Malibu Pier.

Some beaches do not make it easy for the public to get into. Many of these beaches aren’t very well known or easy to find, but there are plenty of options. Before heading to the beach, stock up on supplies, food, and beach equipment at Malibu Pier.

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Last Updated on April 26, 2024 by Namrata123